USA vs VXUS
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.68% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.57% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.13% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 1986 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USA vs VXUS Performance
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USA returned +1.57% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, USA is up 3.68% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, USA compounded at +9.46% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.13% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -0.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -84.2% for USA and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USA charges 0.92% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $5 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USA currently yields 10.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USA and VXUS share 10 holdings out of 7997 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USA or VXUS?
USA has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USA or VXUS?
Over the past year USA returned +1.57% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), USA annualized -0.19% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USA or VXUS?
USA has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USA -84.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USA and VXUS?
USA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USA and VXUS?
USA and VXUS share 10 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7997 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USA or VXUS?
USA yields 10.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so USA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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